How to Start a Blog: Step-by-Step Instructions

It’s my recommended beginner setup, and it doesn’t require any tech skills. Simply follow all the steps and you’ll have your blog!

Step 1: Domain and hosting

The first thing you need to do is register a domain name. Come up with something memorable, easy to spell and if possible use a .com extension. Try not to spend more than 30 minutes on choosing the "perfect" name.

For hosting, I'd go with SiteGround, because they have amazing live chat support and it's lightning fast. I run all of my sites, including BlogProfits on SiteGround. You can use this link to get a special discount.

Then, you can use a 1-click WordPress install through Bluehost at your cPanel. If you have trouble with that, just click live chat on their homepage and they will guide you through it.

Step 2: Modify

Spend some time messing around with your blog to get the desired looked. Play around with the design and get rid of things you don’t like. Set up Google Analytics to track your stats. You also want to pick an email marketing provider, for collecting email subscribers.

Step 3: Plugins

Once you are logged-in to your Wordpress Admin panel, I recommend installing W3 Total Cache, which increases page speed, Facebook and Twitter share buttons and All in one SEO pack, which automatically takes care of your website’s optimization for search engines.

Step 4: Content

You’ll want to add some content to pages like About, Contact, Start Here, Archives, etc. It would be nice to have your personal image up there, so people know who is behind it all. Consider creating a logo or ordering one from a designer. If everything above is ready, you’re off to a really good start.

3 Ways To Make Money From Your Blog

Affiliate Marketing

If you have signed up for my newsletter, then you have probably noticed that sometimes I recommend books that I’ve read that particular month. Every time someone clicks on my affiliate link and buys the book, I’ll get a small commission. For affiliate marketing, I mainly use the Amazon Affiliates because it’s simple and reliable. The commission from there is pretty low, but it’s still nice to get few hundred bucks from it monthly. You don’t want to promote products which you actually don’t believe in. Your reader will notice that, and they will think that you’re another sellout.

Selling your own product(s)

Wouldn’t be cool to have your own eBook, a webinar or a course? The best part about selling your own products is that you will keep 100% of the commission. Making a new product requires a lot of work and you need to keep in mind that you need to create something, which people actually need, want and are willing to pay for.

Becoming a trusted consultant

You get paid in an exchange for your professional expertise. For example, if you’re a fitness blogger you can offer one-on-one sessions with an emphasis on goal-setting, basic fitness strategies and so on. You can go two different routes from here. You can have 5 clients and charge $50 per 1-hour consultation or you can have 1 client and charge $350. Both options have their pros and cons.

Ready to start your blog?

Because BlogProfits are a SiteGround affiliate partner, our readers can use this link to receive a discount on their monthly hosting.